ALGERIA

Algeria is an African country with an extensive history and a rich culture. The country is famous for the diversity of its landscapes, including the arid desert of Sahara or wonderful beaches for anyone’s vacations. Dishes like couscous, merguez or chorba are a curiosity for foreigners, altogether with pita that is always on the table of an Algerian meal. Algeria has many historical places, since it belonged to the Roman Empire, later to Byzantium, to the Ottoman Empire or to French people. Their roots trace back to Berbers, and some of them still like the term Berber instead of Algerian to erase a past of colonialism.

Supposedly, Algeria was what Antoine de Saint-Exupery had in mind when writing The Citadel. Djemila and Timgad are a cultural heritage from the Roman Empire. The Old City in Algiers displays historical monuments or architectural artworks. Vineyards are an excellent choice for a pleasant evening. The bridges of Constantine are famous all throughout Africa. Oran has entertained before Albert Camus and nowadays has a very upbeat nightlife.

Algerians love to party and you can find them in large groups, going around nightclubs. They’re easy-going and fun to be around. Once you’re here, you’ll notice how much communication and human bonding matters. If a police officer writes a speeding ticket, an Algerian uses all sorts of verbal tricks to get out of the situation. And usually, he or she will be victorious. Honor though is an important value and it depends on their contribution to the community. A lack in generosity or empathy means losing the respect of the others.

Algerians may have some interesting habits. If they ran out of a product, they’d rather ask a neighbor than go all the way to the store. This way, they can chitchat a bit and they’ll have the opportunity to meet again when returning said product. When they run into each other, it’s more like a party. They start talking about family issues, work-related problems, ancestors, politics and anything in between. They’re also probably between the only people in this world that enjoy a pasta sandwich. They like to go out early and come back late and they have their own types of music, chaabi and rai.